Invasion and increased expression of S100A4 and CYR61 in mesenchymal transformed breast cancer cells is downregulated by GnRH.

S100 calcium binding protein A4 (S100A4) and cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 (CYR61) play important roles in epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT), invasion and metastasis by promoting cancer cell motility. Recently we were able to show that invasion of GnRH receptor-positive breast cancer cells is time- and dose-dependently reduced by GnRH analogs. We have now analyzed whether GnRH treatment affects S100A4 and CYR61 in mesenchymal transformed breast cancer cells. S100A4 and CYR61 expression was analyzed using RT-PCR. Invasion was quantified by assessment of breast cancer cell migration rate through an artificial basement membrane. The role of S100A4 and CYR61 in invasion of breast cancer cells was analyzed by neutralizing their biological activity. Expression of S100A4, CYR61 and GnRH receptor in human breast cancers, normal and other non-malignant breast tissues was analyzed by immuno-histochemistry. Invasion and expression of S100A4 and CYR61 in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were significant higher as compared with MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Invasion and expression of S100A4 and CYR61 were significantly increased in mesenchymal transformed MCF-7 cells (MCF-7-EMT). The increased invasion of MCF-7-EMT cells could be reduced by anti-S100A4 and anti-CYR61 antibodies. In addition, invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells was decreased by anti-S100A4 and anti-CYR61 antibodies. Treatment of MCF-7-EMT and MDA-MB-231 cells with GnRH agonist Triptorelin resulted in a significant decrease of invasion and expression of S100A4 and CYR61. Both, S100A4 and CYR61 were found highly expressed in biopsy specimens of breast hyperplasia and malignant breast cancers. GnRH receptor expression was detectable in approximately 71% of malignant breast cancers. Our findings suggest that S100A4 and CYR61 play major roles in breast cancer invasion. Both, invasion and expression of S100A4 and CYR61 can be inhibited by GnRH treatment.